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Why Your Kid Whines -- and How to Get Her to Stop

Got a whiny kid? (Doesn't everyone at times?) We've got strategies to help you deal! (17 Photos)

Bonnie Vengrow on Oct 19, 2012 at 1:56PM

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Why Your Kid Whines -- and How to Get Her to Stop

Christos Tsoumplekas/Flickr/Getty Images

Why Does My Kid Whine?

As any parent of a toddler will tell you, a bout of bellyaching can strike at any time and for seemingly any reason. To figure out what's causing the whining, Dr. Eshleman says, take a look at your child's situation: Is she tired? Hungry? Had a rough day at school? In a bad mood? Any of these reasons (and more) are enough to make her extra prone to grumbling.

Whining is also a big way for your kid to get your attention, says Dr. Dan Levy, a pediatrician and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. And any type of attention will do -- even if it's you fussing at them. Luckily, there are surefire ways to shut down the whining and still keep your cool.